THE ALLIANCE OF THE WILLING

It is of great credit of the Dental Industry that  even in today’s busy and stressed world people with good intent are making the time to help the genuine needy and disadvantaged in their local communities.

Thanks to the collective efforts of the National Dental Foundation volunteer dentists, nurses and volunteer hygienists and therapists from the ADOHTA, Henry Schein/Halas, ADIA, ADA and NDF volunteer administration staff it has been possible to make a major difference to the lives of many young people genuinely trying to rebuild their lives, women and children in shelter accommodation and the homeless.

Over the past 12 months through the collective efforts of all of the above,  hundreds of genuinely needy people have received free and very necessary dental treatment  in NSW, Victoria , Qld & WA  that is estimated to be worth over $1.m.

Some practice owners also volunteer their practices to be used for the Charity Day which enables other dentist to come to a central point and enjoy the great team spirit that is always present when working together and seeing the genuine appreciation of the recipient patients. 

Once a Charity Day has been decided the State Committee gets busy contacting established charities  in the local area who are working on a daily basis with the genuinely needy to arrange the patient lists and ensure that appointments made are kept.

Henry Schein Halas through the efforts and goodwill of Jessica Chasen and Gordon Anderson  have played a major role in the success of the NDF initiatives by supplying the bulk of the materials used on the Charity Days right around Australia  and arranging for Colgate to provide Preventative Dental Care products to be given to every patient.  Further, they have hosted appreciation drinks evenings for volunteers in NSW where volunteers can join together from different locations and share their experiences from the Charity Days.

The ADIA has through Federal President Pam Clark has been very supportive in appointing Federal Committee members as  State Representatives to work with each NDF State Committee to provide materials and other support  items needed on Charity Days . Additionally the ADIA arranged a free booth at the recent ADX Exhibition in Sydney to assist the NDF recruit volunteers and let the industry know what a great result is being achieved.

It is of great credit to the dental profession that the range of volunteers now covers nearly all areas of the dental industry. We have volunteer dentists, nurses, hygienists, therapists, Oral Surgeons, dental technicians and industry suppliers working together in their own time to reach out and help the severely disadvantaged in Australia.

As the work of the NDF grows the calls for assistance snowballs as more charities contact the NDF asking for assistance for their clients. It reflects a frightening situation across Australia that has been neglected for too long and even now does not look like it will be adequately addressed by Commonwealth and State Governments. 

To try and meet the desperate calls for assistance the need of which only the dental industry can really appreciate the NDF is looking for more volunteers from all facets of the dental industry. Parties willing to assist can choose to work a session or a day –what ever they can contribute. The NDF committees will organize the day to suit the availability.

It is easy to volunteer; simply log onto www.nationaldentalfoundation.org.au  and register your details. You will then be contacted by your State Committee and informed of planned activities. Your involvement is discretionary – you can choose which days and hours you want to contribute.

There is a very special need the NDF has to fill. We are looking for a volunteer coordinator in each State. The people we are looking for will have the necessary skills to be able to organize volunteer rosters and liaise between the charities that are referring patients. Good computer and communication skills are essential.

It will be a very rewarding job for the people who volunteer.

If you know of anyone suitable and interested please forward their name and contact details to Merv Saultry by email msaultry@dentalinnovations.com.au or tel. o3 98214990.